North Africa·Morocco

Is Fez Safe for Tourists in 2026?

Fez is generally safe for tourists relative to other popular destinations. Our database documents 13 scams, with only 1 rated high severity. Standard travel awareness applies — staying alert in crowded areas and using vetted transport covers the majority of documented risks.

Generally Safe

Overall verdict

13

Scams documented

1

High severity

Overall verdict

Generally Safe

Lower scam risk compared to similar destinations

Scams documented

13

High severity

1

Medium severity

11

Top risk type

Other Scams

Priority warnings

High-severity risks in Fez

These are the most serious documented scams — rated high severity based on frequency, financial impact, and confirmation across multiple sources.

Riad Impersonation and Fake Accommodation Booking

high

Touts near Bab Rcif and inside the medina approach tourists with luggage and claim their riad or hotel has closed, changed address, or is overbooked, then redirect them to a different property where the tout earns a commission. Some operate via WhatsApp before arrival, messaging guests of legitimate riads with fake notifications of closure and alternative addresses. Victims end up in lower-quality accommodation and may have difficulty recovering prepaid bookings.

How to avoid: Contact your riad directly using the official phone number from the booking platform before arrival to confirm the address and any pickup arrangements. Do not follow strangers who approach you near the city gates with unsolicited help about your accommodation. Share your riad address with a trusted contact before entering the medina.

Where: Near Bab Rcif and Bab Bou Jeloud city gates, and throughout the narrow alleyways of Fes el-Bali where tourists carrying luggage are conspicuous

By traveler type

Is Fez safe for you specifically?

Scam risk varies by traveler profile. Different types of visitors face different documented threats in Fez.

Solo travelers

Higher risk

Solo travelers are more frequently targeted because they lack the deterrent of a group. Stay in well-reviewed accommodation, share itineraries with someone at home, and avoid deserted areas at night.

First-time visitors

Higher risk

Unfamiliarity with local pricing, transport, and norms makes first-time visitors prime targets. Read the full scam database for Fez before arrival — knowing what scams exist is the single most effective protection.

Families with children

Lower risk

Families with children are less commonly targeted for scams involving nightlife or bar areas. Standard precautions apply: use vetted transport, keep documents secured, and brief children on not accepting gifts from strangers.

Budget travelers

Higher risk

Budget travelers spending time in hostels, using street food, and booking last-minute tours face increased exposure to accommodation scams, fake tour operators, and currency exchange fraud.

Where risk concentrates

Areas to be cautious in Fez

These locations are specifically cited in documented scam reports for Fez. Exercise heightened awareness in these areas.

Medina Deliberate Disorientation

Throughout Fez el-Bali, the world's largest car-free medina, particularly near Bab Boujeloud (the Blue Gate), around the tanneries, and in the Andalusian quarter

medium

Unofficial Medina Guide Commission Maze

Entrances to Fez el-Bali through Bab Boujeloud and Bab R'cif, along the main tourist corridors of Talaa Kebira and Talaa Seghira inside the medina

medium

Tannery Terrace "Free" View Then Pressure Buy

Leather goods shops with rooftop terraces directly overlooking the Chouara Tannery in the Chouara quarter of Fez el-Bali, accessible from Derb Chouara

medium

Tannery Viewpoint Carpet Pressure

Shops lining the streets overlooking Chouara Tannery in the Chouara quarter of Fez el-Bali, most with rooftop terraces facing the famous dyeing vats

medium

Taxi Rigged Meter from Train Station

Outside Fez Ville Nouvelle train station (Gare de Fès) and the grand taxi rank on Avenue des Almohades, plus taxis approaching from the medina gates

medium
Risk breakdown

What types of scams occur in Fez?

Other Scams

Timeshares, fake police, charity fraud, and miscellaneous scams targeting visitors.

4

31% of reports

Street Scams

Pickpockets, distraction thieves, fake petitions, and street hustles in tourist areas.

2

15% of reports

Tour & Activities

Unlicensed guides, fake tickets, bait-and-switch excursions, and ticket scalping.

2

15% of reports

Taxi & Transport

Overcharging, meter tampering, fake taxis, and transport cons targeting tourists.

1

8% of reports

Restaurant Scams

Inflated bills, hidden charges, tourist menus, and food service tricks.

1

8% of reports

Accommodation Scams

Fake listings, bait-and-switch hotels, ghost rentals, and check-in fraud.

1

8% of reports

Online Scams

Fraudulent booking sites, phishing, fake reviews, and digital cons targeting travelers.

1

8% of reports

Money & ATM Scams

Card skimming, currency exchange fraud, dynamic currency conversion, and cash cons.

1

8% of reports

How serious?

Severity breakdown for Fez

1 High — 8%
11 Medium — 85%
1 Low — 8%
Before you go

Quick safety checklist for Fez

01

Before booking any tour or activity in Fez, verify the operator has verifiable reviews on multiple platforms.

02

Other Scams scams are the most documented risk in Fez — review those warnings specifically before you arrive.

03

Use app-based transport rather than street taxis, especially near Fez's main tourist attractions.

04

Keep a physical copy of your passport, travel insurance policy number, and embassy contact in a separate location from originals.

05

If you are approached by someone offering unsolicited help, tours, or currency exchange, politely decline and walk away.

06

Report any scam to local police and to your country's embassy. Even if recovery is unlikely, reports help maintain accurate travel advisories.

Common questions

Is Fez safe — answered

Is Fez safe for tourists in 2026?
Fez is generally safe for tourists based on our database of 13 documented scams. 1 of those are rated high severity. The most common risks are other scams, street scams, tour & activities. Millions of tourists visit Fez safely each year — preparedness is the key differentiator.
Is Fez safe for solo travelers?
Fez has documented scams that specifically target solo travelers. Key advice: stay in well-reviewed accommodation, share your itinerary with someone at home, use app-based transport at night, and avoid isolated areas after dark. Review the full scam list for Fez before traveling alone.
What are the most dangerous areas in Fez for tourists?
Based on documented incident reports, the highest-risk areas in Fez include: Throughout Fez el-Bali, the world's largest car-free medina, particularly near Bab Boujeloud (the Blue Gate), around the tanneries, and in the Andalusian quarter. Entrances to Fez el-Bali through Bab Boujeloud and Bab R'cif, along the main tourist corridors of Talaa Kebira and Talaa Seghira inside the medina. Leather goods shops with rooftop terraces directly overlooking the Chouara Tannery in the Chouara quarter of Fez el-Bali, accessible from Derb Chouara. These areas are associated with street scams, tour & activities, other scams incidents.
Is Fez safe at night?
Nighttime risk in Fez is primarily concentrated around bar and nightlife districts, where overcharging, spiked drink incidents, and fake police are more common. Using official or app-based transport after dark and staying in well-lit, populated areas reduces risk significantly.
Is Fez safe for female travelers?
Fez is broadly accessible for female travelers with standard precautions. General guidance: use verified accommodation with secure entry, avoid sharing ride details publicly, dress in line with local customs to reduce unwanted attention, and keep emergency contacts accessible. Travel communities like r/solotravel and r/TravelHacks have current firsthand reports.
What scams should I watch for in Fez?
The top documented scams in Fez are: Medina Deliberate Disorientation, Unofficial Medina Guide Commission Maze, Tannery Terrace "Free" View Then Pressure Buy, Tannery Viewpoint Carpet Pressure, Taxi Rigged Meter from Train Station. The full database covers 13 individual scams across 8 categories. Reviewing each scam's description and avoidance tips is the most effective pre-trip preparation.
Should I get travel insurance for Fez?
Travel insurance is strongly recommended for any trip to Fez. Beyond scam-related losses, insurance covers medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and theft — all documented risk categories here. Look for policies that include 24/7 emergency assistance and explicit coverage for mugging or pickpocketing. Compare policies on comparison sites before purchasing.
Is Morocco safe to visit in 2026?
Morocco as a whole is a popular tourist destination with documented scam activity across multiple cities. Fez specifically has 13 documented scams with a generally safe safety rating. Check the full Morocco country guide for a regional overview and safety comparisons across all covered cities.

Editorial note: This safety assessment for Fez is based on 13 verified scam reports in the Before You Go database, compiled from government travel advisories (US State Dept, UK FCDO, Australian DFAT), verified news sources, and traveler reports. Safety conditions change — always cross-reference with current government advisories before travel. Read our methodology →